Painting a Figure in Evening Light

You’re out in a beautiful landscape. It’s an overcast, tonal day, and suddenly, the sun comes out. The sun is brilliant and alive. How do you capture that light in a painting? In this video, I show you how to capture that sense of light in a painting in three ways.
One, in terms of light and dark.
Two, in terms of color temperature.
Three, in terms of reflected light.
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The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Quinacridone Magenta
Dioxazine Purple
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green
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My website: www.ianroberts.com/
Facebook page: / ianrobertsartist
Instagram @ianrobertsartist: / ianrobertsartist

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

When I say that the color is bleached out of the sunlit areas that depends on how reflective the surface is. Green fields and trees in sunlight don't get bleached out so much because the light gets absorbed. But on a lighter, more reflective surface like a shirt or those cushions then the color gets bleached out more.

[@DenisPombriant]

Good point. Easy to forget that we see green because the plants absorb everything else and only reflect green. The other colors' energy is used to make carbohydrate.

[@suepidlubny3183]

Thanks for this one. I love how you make the “ordinary” “extraordinary”. Simple and effective.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Sue.

[@janabonsignore2784]

I totally agree!! I love your art!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

@@janabonsignore2784 Thank you Jana

[@kyrie0033]

What a great lesson!!! :D

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Kyrie

[@medusayuk5854]

Actually a really colourful painting, pinks, greens, blues, purples, browns, yellows, all sitting beautifully within the various greys. I love it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Medusa

[@afternoononthedock]

Gosh, fantastic! I paused the video at the finished painting, bounced back to the end of block in, what a great lesson. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much and glad you found it helpful.

[@dylanduke1075]

Your videos are honestly some of the best on YT Ian. It’s a fantastic free resource for anyone interested

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Dylan.

[@LaraLomer]

So interesting and a good call to change the color of the pillows from what they were in the photograph -all in the name of excellent composition.Thanks for sharing!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. You're very welcome Lara

[@swalker6794]

Not to your subject, but ...I like/enjoy your putting people in the paintings. Really adds to more than just the study part of your "lesson". Thanks, good video as usual.

[@celestesmith9305]

As usual, so very helpful to allow us to remember important elements for each painting we do! This was GREAT! Thanks Ian and Anne.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Celeste. Thanks for watching

[@lynetteredner9231]

Wow, your videos are amazing but this really hit a" home-run" for me, I have such a tendency to not separate my lights and dark, timid in separation. The reminder about bleached out color in the light, another good reminder( and your comment about absorption).. This is straight forward teaching, thank you. Now if I can apply this in my painting! I feel like I have had an A-HA moment watching this. Things I have heard before but the way this was presented is quite structured and impactful. Thank you for your generosity in sharing. You make the world a beautiful place by helping us also paint better!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

This makes me very happy to hear, Lynette. I am glad it's helping you in your painting process. All the best.

[@garyji]

This is a Master Class on seeing and applying differences in color temperature. Very helpful.

[@siminkassaee6122]

I just learned a whole lot more by watching you painting so carefully observing the values , shade and temperature.truly amazing!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That makes me happy to hear Simin.

[@paintingsofwaves_mikewoning]

Bringing in the detail on the figure (the fine sun lit areas on her arms and face) and pulling the cushions colour more towards the complementary of her shirt (i.e. upping the colour contrast), also pulls attention away from the left. Lovely simple scene that turned into a great painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Mike. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@deborahrech7429]

What a great lesson on dealing with the subtleties of painting light and shadows. You pack a lot of useful information into 11 minutes. Thank you!

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ....

[@motlba]

As always some very interesting tips with a magnificent result. Thanks, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Mónica

[@pchabanowich]

I love your work, and the nearly-infinite knowledge you generously dispense. Your drawings are amazing, swiftly acknowledged and applied. Wow. 💐

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Peter.

[@chukukaogude5894]

I love watching this channel.

[@naturevideos6496]

Hi Ian, I enjoyed your video on how to paint sunlight. Your rendition of your wife sitting and reading a newspaper reminds me of Monet's painting of his wife sitting in the bed facing sunlight at the window. I painted my wife sitting on the couch facing the sunlight, which was only half done because my wife did not like how I painted her on the sofa. I hope your bellowed wife has admired her picture being painted by you. Congratulations on the lovely painting. Amarasiri.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Amarasin, thank you. Glad you liked the painting. My wife did like it but I have done some where she thought I was perhaps less flattering. But she's a painter too so is pretty relaxed about the result. All the best.

[@Dennis-Hare]

Great job, Ian! A pleasure to watch and learn from. Thank you.

[@sherryoliver3215]

You are an excellent teacher. I am so thankful for your teaching videos. I feel blessed to get your instruction since I could not pay for the classes.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm delighted you are enjoying the videos Sherry. All the best.

[@skyofhoney7]

Another fantastic and helpful video. Thanks Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Beth.

[@sabinemuller7834]

Hi Ian, one of your best paintings in my eyes🙏🏻thanks for sharing. The softness of the light 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Sabine. Glad you liked it. All the best.

[@sueedelstein5568]

Thank you as always Ian for reinforcing these principles.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Sue

[@roselynbaruch3697]

So enjoyed this video on light and shadow in strong sunlight! Now I understand what to do with reflected light and simplify thanks to you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Roselyn.

[@luludesjardins]

Thank you so much, Ian. This is very helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear. Thank you.

[@solea59]

many thanks Ian, great video and very inspiring !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Brian. Glad you think so.

[@maxinebutcher379]

Wow, best explanation I’ve heard about light, shadow and reflected light. Thank you!

[@mariakingsley1966]

I struggle with light. Love his explanation.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Maxine. Glad you found it helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Maria.

[@adriennedunne8044]

Fantastic as always Ian. Wonderful to watch a master craftsman at work

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Adrienne. Thanks so much

[@selmaabbott7234]

This is inspiring! You make the simplest pic turn into a great painting. I've learned a lot about light and temperature just by watching your example here. Thank you for this demo!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful Selma. All the best

[@cpgeorge3594]

YOUR BEST ONE YET.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Appreciate your letting me know.

[@8433alice]

What an illuminating and illustrious lesson! Thanks very much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good choice of words. You're very welcome

[@beeARTcanada]

Thank you you sharing your perspective, knowledge, and skills. Beautiful painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome!

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Thanks Ian. I learn so much from these videos!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad to hear it. Thank you Joanne

[@tunesart4542]

What a great teacher .. respect sir 🙏

[@emmanuelledesachy7476]

thank you Ian , another very helpful and complete. The finished painting is brilliant and motivates a lot . I finally understand the 3 reasons I did not capture as I wanted the light ! many thanks

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Emmanuelle. All the best.

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Excellent tutorial. A real eye opening to painting light. Thanks so much. Blessings and take care.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Crisalida

[@joannschoenleber813]

🤩 AMAZING !! These are truly the most awesome instructional videos ever !! Wow your painting is sooo beautiful, maestro. Learned so much Thanks again Ian!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Joann!

[@peterandrewhope6705]

Many thanks Ian (a) a lovely painting and (b) the usual generous, inciteful instruction. Your videos are excellent.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Peter.

[@thismeofmine9696]

Such a great sense of colour - beautiful! Greetings from Ireland.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes from LA

[@janleitch]

I understand bounce light in theory, but the demonstration of it is very helpful. I can see where my forms will have much better volume now. Thank you Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Jan. All the best.

[@JanBenham-tr4pv]

Love these Tuesday morning videos - thanks so much for the wealth of insight and inspiration you generously offer.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Jan. Glad you enjoy them.

[@jeffsayer2888]

Hi Ian great informative video really helpful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Jeff

[@pstutor1]

What a great lesson. Thanks. And I love the painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@slburt8576]

Oh wow, that's amazing. Very beautiful; thank you so much for the lesson!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it!

[@serrielu8025]

Wow, just beautiful.. easily recognizable subject from the photo but incredibly painterly. Also, any one see the, unintentional I’m sure, large partial face sorta looking down. It’s on the backdrop of shrubs or whatever. Reminds me of Washington on the dollar. Idk.? I can stare at curtains or Berber carpet and make out figures all the time. I’m weird I guess.

[@PatMeierJohnson]

Brilliant. Well explained. Thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Pat.

[@janesoncanvas8337]

Wow. Excellent video and points!! Thank you so much!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Janes

[@ValentinoHavanese]

Wow. This is so valuable.Thanks!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Sally

[@magpiegirl3783]

Fabulous. So helpful to a person new to painting like me!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kerstin151263]

Thank you Ian for the great video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome!

[@traceylambrecht4175]

Wonderful

[@4seasons546]

Fascinating ❤ thank you 😊

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ....

[@normg2242]

One of my favorites...!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Norm.

[@dawnholder8819]

Great information to remember. Thank you for sharing!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you! You're very welcome Dawn.

[@rosannedistefano6204]

Thank you! Really helpful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Rosanne.

[@FanOfLiberty1776]

Fantastic. Thank you

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ....

[@sylvainst-pierre8725]

Thank you my freind ! i watched so many of your great videos and learned so much, that i now consider you my freind. This was another good one. Tks !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is very nice of you to say Sylvain. Glad you enjoyed this one too.

[@mikeburton1955]

So clearly explained. Thank you Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Mike

[@subinhe1996]

Love this painting😊 thank you for sharing

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. all the best.

[@w.l.691]

Really helpful Ian, thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Glad you found it helpful.

[@christinemay2411]

I bought your Mastering Composition book recently and I have to say it is AWESOME! Thank you so much for all the informative work that you put into it. Highly recommended!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome! Glad you are enjoying my book and the videos.

[@franciscanoe1522]

Excelent, thank you so much !!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome Francisca

[@kenneth1767]

The finished underpainting has a Hopper feel about it. Beautiful light effects revealed in finished painting. Hope you'll do a video on stillife studies and their importance. Always great content. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Keri, I have to say I generally lean to landscapes, particularly for the youtube videos. I have something in mind for next month. I'll see about doing a still life the month after that. Glad you enjoyed the video and painting. All the best.

[@salvathijazi431]

Very helpful, thanks so much

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome Salvat.

[@cheryrobertson2735]

Wonderful teaching, and I love your finished painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Chery

[@francoforleo4971]

This is a beautiful painting… thanks for the demo 🙏🎨🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Franco

[@lazlovic]

Really good one this. Thanks, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Richard

[@virginiaburgerlago]

excellent video Ian. Thank you so much

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you Virginia.

[@janejandey3285]

Thank you so much best video I’ve seen so far on this journey 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Jane. Makes me happy to hear

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

Thank you Ian, exactly the lesson I needed at this time.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear Sandra. Thank you

[@hicetnunc8]

I’m in love with your lesson 💓

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ....

[@janeiwan3809]

Thanks so much, Ian. Great video and beautiful painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Jane. Thank you

[@ryanembry9875]

Beautiful work by the way

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you, Ryan.

[@cristinadeoliveira4280]

This is so great, Ian! ❤👏👏👏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Cristina

[@meiredeabreu8665]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Meire

[@wolfgangtoeglhofer1710]

excellent tutorial as always 🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so Wolfgang. Thank you

[@CosmoTheCoonhound]

Thanks, Ian! This is just in time for my latest work. Can't wait to apply what I've learned here.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Perfect. Glad you can use the techniques right away. All the best.

[@02rivail]

Thank you so much Ian, it's help me a lot!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Rivail. Thank you

[@markdannewitz3424]

Thank you Ian! I look forward to watching your videos and hearing your thoughts on composition. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge in this format! Good stuff!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Mark.

[@MHarenArt]

That was a super tutorial. Lots of food for thought for all the values of color and light that are part of this beautiful painting. What a treasure.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Maggie.

[@rosine2]

Très intéressant et aidant. Merci beaucoup.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Merci a vous Rosine.

[@normamiller2316]

Succinct and well explained. I’ve made a reminder note and taped it to the wall near my palette. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great, Norma. I hope they help. You're welcome and all the best.

[@govindmatondkar7502]

Master !!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@myalee108]

This is incredible teaching in the talk, just clicked in mind and you painted it in a very easy way. Love the outdoor area and a beautiful picture of Anne. 🙂 Thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Mya. Thanks so much

[@rebeccagriswold5451]

Thank you Ian! Great demo to show the relationships of light and darks and how important they are.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Absolutely. Thank you Rebecca.

[@giannafallavollita4799]

Ian, your videos are so informative and beneficial. Thank you for your generosity in sharing the many years of knowledge that you possess. Fantastic!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Gianna. Thank you.

[@karenwilsonart]

beautiful painting Robert

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Karen

[@julieismert4874]

This made lights in painting make more sense instead of going into way too dark values , which I now see don’t need to be used. I now have your book Mastering Composition and am really looking forward to learning so much more. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome. Thank you Julie.

[@marciagklarosk5161]

Very clarifying class! I love painting figures set into open and sunny places.It´s all about contrasts. Grateful for this!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Márcia. Thank you

[@darcymanwaring1489]

Great! Really alot I didn't know but now what exciting information to try for a painting.

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ....

[@davemalt2451]

Terrific tutorial Ian. You make it look so easy.😄 😎🇦🇺🦘

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ....

[@maryannnash653]

What a beautiful painting!! Thank you for sharing these most invaluable tips.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Maryann

[@yijumiller5659]

Thank you ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome

[@LydiaMannNYC]

Fabulously educational. I can't wait to find a composition to try this on.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Enjoy it. Thanks Lydia.

[@lynschultz513]

Love this one, Ian. Beautiful light on your lovely wife. Thank you for the lesson as always!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Lyn

[@dollycatlin5077]

I just found you this last week. I commented on your video about mixing various greens. It’s an older one, but I really like it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found the channel Dolly. All the best.

[@jebberjay4324]

Amazingly instructive. Thanks Ian. I’m off to put it into practice now. 👍🏼

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is the goal. Glad you found it helpful Jebber

[@lisaburda5490]

As always, a great video! And the final painting is beautiful! This video is so timely as I started a landscape yesterday and a really want to create that sense if light, so going to use your advice! Thank you, Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy you are able to use the techniques on a painting so soon. You're very welcome

[@eliecastonguay]

Very informative video Ian🙂

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so Elie.

[@lindamcdermott9980]

Your explanation and demonstration of reflective light is so helpful. Although I no longer paint in oil or acrylic, this will be useful in my drawing and watercolors. I recently discovered your channel and find the advanced technique information invaluable. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much for letting me know you are enjoying the videos Linda. All the best.